Senior Manager - Fixed Network Planning and IP Core Architecture

The Senior Manager: Fixed Network Planning and IP Core Architecture serves as MTN Group’s principal technical authority for Transport, Transmission and IP Architecture. It provides specialist architecture, planning and engineering expertise across fibre, optical transmission, IP/MPLS, international and submarine capacity, satellite connectivity, peering, transit and content interconnection, under the strategic direction and accountability of the General Manager: Transport and OSS Tools.

This is a specialised Group Technology role requiring deep domain expertise in fixed, fibre, transmission, transport and IP core network planning, design, architecture and technology evolution. The role requires that all outputs are explicitly anchored in the Transport domain with key focus on network resilience or broad network planning deliverables.

The role is the MTN Group subject-matter authority for Transport, Transmission and IP Architecture, providing authoritative technical analysis, architecture recommendations, standards and decision support.

Measures of success include high-quality technical recommendations, architecture frameworks, planning inputs, regulatory and compliance assessments, design principles and tools that support approved Group priorities for cost effectiveness, network efficiency, service resilience and technology evolution.

This position is designed for a Transport and Transmission professional with deep technical mastery across fixed network planning, fibre and transmission systems, metro and backbone transport, IP/MPLS core architecture, satellite transmission, network resilience and technology evolution. The role requires strong technical authority, sound judgement and the ability to influence Group-wide architecture outcomes, supporting the GM Transport and OSS Tools.

The incumbent will develop technical standards, reference architectures, planning inputs and technology evolution recommendations; support OpCo investment and architecture assessments; strengthen network resilience; and define Transport architecture requirements for software-defined, automation-ready and AI-enabled networks. Final strategy, roadmap, investment, vendor and AI direction is approved by the General Manager and the relevant Group governance structures. The role translates deep engineering expertise into measurable customer, operational and financial outcomes under MTN Ambition 2030.

Context

MTN is entering a new phase in its lifecycle where operational and commercial excellence has become critical for success. The urgency for change has become more heightened amidst increased competitive intensity across all markets in which MTN operates. The Group’s Technology function must therefore ensure the successful delivery in context of:

- Rapidly changing ICT environment
- The geographic complexity of MTN’s foot print across Africa and the Middle East
- Management of executive and local shareholder expectations across all 20 OpCos
- Achievement of top quartile operating efficiency and effectiveness through scale and common processes
- Driving growth through business intelligence and standardization to maximize business impact
- Management of customer and supplier expectations
- Enhance MTN position as a leading network and system provider
- Constant dynamics and local challenges in the economic, regulatory and legal environments

Values
We at MTN are a purpose and value-led organization. At MTN, we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, every day. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life.

Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.

As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. This is what we want you to experience with us!

Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.

Live Y’ello

- Lead with Care
- Can-do with Integrity
- Collaborate with Agility
- Serve with Respect
- Act with Inclusion

Education:

- Minimum of 4 year tertiary degree (B.Sc. Electronic / Electrical / Telecommunications Engineering) or equivalent qualification such as B-Tech
- M.Sc. Eng. (Telecommunications) – advantageous
- Professional Engineer or recognized engineering registration(advantageous)
- Fluent in English

Experience:

- Minimum 5-10 years Network Planning, Design and Performance Management experience, coupled with supervising / managing others OR
- Minimum 5 years in relevant experienceTelecommunications network planning, architecture, engineering or technology strategy.
- Minimum 5 years Project and Program Management experience, in a Telco / ICT environment
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in senior technical leadership, principal architect, or group-level planning role.
- Demonstrated experience providing architecture governance inputs, investment decision support, technology transformation recommendations and technical vendor evaluations within delegated authority.
- Demonstrated expertise in at least three of the following domains:
- IP/MPLS Core
- Optical Transport / DWDM
- Fibre Networks
- Microwave Transport
- Satellite Transmission
- Submarine Systems
- International Connectivity
- Demonstrated leadership across multi-country or multi-market telecommunications environments.
- Experience in working across diverse cultures and geographies (advantageous)
- Experience working in a small to medium ICT / Telecommunications organisation

Competencies:

- Conceptual Thinker, Problem Solver, Improvement Driver
- Culture and Change Champion, Supportive People Manager, Leads through influence, Mobilizes virtual and cross-functional teams, Relationship Manager
- Results Achiever, Operationally Astute